Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (Tmj)
Description
Occurs when there is degeneration to one of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) causing pain and headaches. The TMJ connects the jaw to the skull, and is composed of cartilage, muscles and ligaments. There are multiple causes including: grinding of teeth, trauma, inflammatory diseases, and malocclusion of the teeth. Sometimes no direct cause is discovered. The disease is more common in women and is usually seen in the 20-40 age range.
Symptoms
Biting or chewing difficulty, pain with chewing, clicking sound while chewing or opening the mouth, dull aching pain in the face, earache, grating sensation while chewing, headache, jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw, reduced ability to open or close the mouth.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to help confirm the diagnosis may include: X-rays to evaluate how the teeth fit together, CT scan and/or MRI.
- X-Ray
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the other co-existing diseases of the patient but may include: mouth guards, biofeedback, physical therapy, steroid injections, and/or surgery.
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